Memory: Is the storage of acquired knowledge for later recall. Learning and memory form the basis by which individuals adapt their behavior to their particular external circumstances.
Memory trace: Is the neural change responsible for retention or storage of knowledge concepts information are generally stored.
Remembering: Is the process of retrieving specific information from memory stores. Forgetting: Is the inability to retrieve stored information.
Storage of acquired information is believed To be accomplished in at least two stages:a.Short –term memory.b.Long –term memory.Short term memory lasts for secods to hoursWhereas long term memory is retained for days to years.
Consolidation:Is the process of transferring and fixing short-term memory traces in to long –term Memory stores.Stored knowledge is of no use unless it can be retrieved and used to influence current or future behavior.
Working –memory:It is the blackboard of the mind .it involves comparing current sensory data with relevant stored knowledge and manipulating that information as in being able to carry on conversation or knowing to put on warm clothing if you see snow outside. working memory enables people to string thoughts together in a logical sequence and plan for future action.
Newly acquired information is initially deposited in short-term store which has a limited capacity for storage .Information in short-term memory has one of two eventual fates: either it is soon forgotten or it is transferred into the more permanent long –term mode through active practice or rehearsal.
The relationship between short and long term memory is just like developing photographic film. The originally developed image [short term memory] will rapidly fade unless it is chemically fixed [consolidation ] to provide a more enduring image [long term memory].
Some times only parts of memories are fixed while others fade away. Information of interest or importance to the individual is more likely to be recycled and fixed in long term memory stores where as less important information is quickly erased.
The storage capacity of the long term –memory bank is much is larger than the capacity of short term memory .Different information aspects of long term memory traces seem to be processed and codified then stored in conjunction with other memories of the same type for example visual memories are stored separately from auditory memories.
The organization facilitate future searching of memory stores to retrieve desired information .Because long term memory stores are larger it takes longer to retrieve information from long term memory than from short term memory.
Information lost from short term memory is permanently forgotten but information in long term storage is only transiently forgotten .Often you only unable to access The information for example being unable to remember an acquaintances name then having it suddenly come to you later.
Some forms of long term memory involving information or skills used on a daily basis are essentially never forgotten and rapidly accessible such as knowing your own name or being able to write. Even though long term memories are relatively stable .stored information may be gradually lost or modified overtime unless it is thoroughly ingrained as a result of years of practice.
Habituation: Is a decreased responsiveness to repetitive presentation of an indifferent stimulus that is one that is neither rewarding nor punishing. It is probably the most common form of learning and is believed to be the first learning process to take place in human infants.
Sensitization: Refers to increased responsiveness to mild stimuli following a strong or noxious stimulus. Habituation depresses the synaptic activity where as sensitization enhances it.
Memory traces are present in multiple regions of the brain. The regions of the brain implicated in memory include the temporal lobes ,prefrontal cortex ,the limbic system and cerebellum. The temporal lobes and limbic system are essential for transferring new memories into long –term storage.
Evidence suggests that short term memory involves transient modifications in the function of pre-existing synapses such as a temporary alteration in the amount of neurotransmitter released in response to stimulation with affected nerve pathways. Long term memory in contrast is believed to involve relatively permanent functional or structural changes between existing neurons in the brain
The hippocampus is believed to only temporarily store new long term memories and then transfer them to other cortical site for more permanent storage. Accessing and manipulating these long term stores through operation of the working memory appears to be carried out by the prefrontal region of the cerebral cortex . Furthermore the hippocampus and surrounding regions play an important role in declarative memories.
Loss of memory called Amnesia it occurs in two forms : a.Retrograde amnesia [going backwards]. It is the inability to recall recent past events.it usually follows a traumatic events that interferes with electrical activity of the brain such as concussion or stroke. If a person is knocked unconscious the content of short term memory is essentially erased resulting in loss of memory of activities that occurred within a bout the last half hour before the event..
b. Antegrade amnesia:[going forward] Is in ability to store memory in long term storage for later retrieval . It is usually associated with lesions of the medial portions of the temporal lobe which are generally considered to be critical regions for memory consolidation. individual suffering from this condition may be able to recall things they learned before the onset of their problem but they are unable to establish new permanent memories e.g. individual with this condition could not remember where the bathroom was in his new house but still had total recall of his old home.